Pauline Hanson is no friend of Farmers

Written by: Duncan B. on 9 September 2026

Pauline Hanson is trying to claim credibility as serious, mainstream politician, after years on the sidelines, where she is noted  mainly for her stunts and bizarre utterances. Hanson and One Nation are painting themselves as the friends of farmers and country people, with a win in the Farrer by-election showing that they are having some success in fooling country people.

Hanson spoke at the Bush Summit held in Dubbo on August 26 and 27. (The Bush Summit is sponsored by Pauline’s friends at Murdoch’s News Limited, and Hancock Prospecting, owned by Pauline’s boss Gina Rinehart.)  Hanson has also been invited to open the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 22. This decision by the organisers of the Field Days is causing controversy in the region. Make no mistake. Hanson is no friend of the bush. Hanson’s policies are disastrous for farmers and country people.

Hanson’s denial of climate change, her opposition to net zero and her support for fossil fuels over renewable energy sources means that the effects of climate change on farmers in Australia can only get worse. Farmers are already  experiencing more severe cyclones and floods, and bushfires that are more ferocious than ever before.

Farmers, country businesses and tourist operators rely heavily for workers on skilled migrant labour, working holidaymakers and workers from Pacific Island countries under the PALM Scheme. At present the Government is slowing down some visa applications from these workers, and farmers and country businesses are already complaining that this is harming their businesses. Hanson’s immigration policies would only make the situation much worse.

According to research by the Regional Australia Institute, migration accounted for 46.2% of regional population growth in 2025, helping to overcome workforce shortages and strengthen local economies. Hanson’s immigration policies would help destroy country towns.

Hanson and her boss Gina are devoted supporters of Donald Trump. Trump’s tariffs have caused considerable loss to Australian farmers and exporters. Trump’s war against Iran has caused massive economic losses to Australian farmers. Shortages of diesel fuel and fertiliser and higher prices resulted, making it harder for farmers to put in their crops. Some farmers had to reduce the area they planted.

Trump’s war has caused disruption to shipping and flights carrying Australian farm produce to the Middle East, with perishable cargoes stranded at sea, and shipping companies imposing war surcharges on containers from US$1500 to $4000.

There has only been one shipment of live sheep to the Middle East this year, compared to nineteen for the previous year.  Only 4426 tonnes of sheep meat have been sent this year, only 30% of last year’s exports.

In 2025, Australia exported 60,000 tonnes of vegetables, valued at $53 million to the Middle East. This year there have been no shipments of vegetables.

Hanson claims to be the farmers’ friend. With friends like her they don’t need any enemies.

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